Just back : Melbourne to Townsville in TDI

[Bazzle218]

I have been chasing a 300 tdi to replace the one that got written off about 2 years ago in Sydney. Anyway a 1996 Auto with 303000 ks was offered to me for $3000 in Melbourne. That’s considerably less then the high 6 to 10s offered up this way. Decided to take a punt and flew down with the daughter and bought it. Picked it up at Tullamarine and drove it straight to Hunter and Cuthill in Geelong. As the previous owner was unsure when if ever the timing belt was changed got them to service auto, replace timing belt, all cooling hoses and gas the aircon (I’m a sook). Due to the belt tensioned being caput it cost me all up $2100. Labor was ok but parts hurt. But the service was great and they contacted me prior to fitting the extra parts. Well filled her up bought a spare fuel filter and off we drove. First night after 800ks she was slightly down on oil, topped up about 600 mils and crossed my fingers. For the rest of the trip it used zero oil. My gut feeling is that it drove minimal distances and needed a good run. The only problem I have found is the vacuum pump is leaking. I will fix it this week and it looks like it needs pads and a machine on the disks. Other then that she runs like a gem. The alarm even works. As a point of interest The roads from Geelong to Goondiwindi were great also the Telstra mobile phone service. I have lived in QLD for 25 yrs and our roads and Mobile service suck. The inland road was as bad as my sister’s road who lives in a little town called Mumbil. Her road was in better condition to half the highway. I live 15 ks from the CBD and have to run outside to the pool area to get reception. All said happy with my car :D

[Grockle]

not a bad trip then all in all,what autobox is fitted

[953]

Was starting to wonder what happened to you Bazzle, glad to hear it all worked out fine:).
Cheers Dean.

[Cap]

Its always unnerving to pick up a new purchase and drive it to the other side of the country.

I would have done the same with the service, better get it done before the trip and save heartaches/more $$ if something goes amiss.

[big guy]

Good buy by all accounts I take it.
Well done.
I like buying low and getting full service and new hoses etc as that way I know whats been done and know what I still need to do if mechanic writes a good list.

Hope it serves you well mate.

[Brettsky64]

G'day Bazzle218, I am in the same boat, I have taken the punt and bought a 97 tid from the Gold Coast, I live in Bowen. I got my 19yo son who thinks he knows every thing there is to know to test drive the car for me, I bought the car based on the colour (white) Auto and the test drive, my son reported that it is a really nice care to drive very smooth but heaps gutless off the mark but he understands why, said there was no rust in the usual areas or anywhere the air con was cold and the 215,000ks on the engine seamed to hum like it should, I should mention he drives a 20yo Suzuki on steroids, so any thing is going to go smoothly after his 4be lol, any way I get to drive it back next week on monday the 19th April and i hope it runs as good as yours. I paid $8,999 (not $3000) like yours, with 6 months rego and 12 month Aus wide warranty my mechanic, like you I couldnt buy what i wanted up north Queensland.
Happy motoring
Brett:)